"Diversification of export markets and creating Brand India in the spices sector will help make India more sustainable and resilient in the export of spices. This will strengthen the whole value chain," said Rajesh Agrawal IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, at the Spices Board's 36th Anniversary Celebrations in Kochi.
Interacting with the spice industry leaders and exporters, the Additional Secretary opined "if more value addition happens within the economy, this will make the sector more resilient". He also advocated for the use of technology and public-private partnerships to spur further growth and development in the spice industry.
In his address to the exporters and other stakeholders at the function, D Sathiyan IFS, Secretary, Spices Board, stated that the Board has been strategizing to achieve 10 billion USD in spice exports by 2030 and requested insights from stakeholders on key potential and emerging markets, as well as stumbling blocks in spice trade for collective action.
A panel discussion with spice industry leaders and exporters on doubling exports was organised as part of its 36th anniversary celebrations. The panel discussion, which was moderated by Rajesh Agrawal IAS, included active participation from experts from various sectors of the spice industry as well as representatives from spice exporters associations.
On the sidelines of the panel discussion, Rajesh Agrawal IAS, Additional Secretary, released a compendium on the key schemes for spices exporters compiled and prepared by YES Bank and Spices Board, and the appeal mechanism designed in the Spices Board's Quality Management System for spice export was introduced to the stakeholders.
Spices Board (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India), the flagship organization for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices, was constituted on 26th February 1987 with the merger of erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council.
The Board serves as an international link between Indian exporters and importers abroad, and it has been involved in a variety of activities involving every segment of the spice sector.
